So far, so good for Henning Berg at Omonoia

Four games into the new campaign and it’s “so far, so good” for Omonoia and Henning Berg as the Tryfili top the table on 10 points.

Following Omonoia’s 1-0 home victory over Apollon, Berg spoke positively about his team but refused to be drawn into a discussion relating to their title chances, given many journalists and fans are already talking about a first championship in almost a decade.

“For us, the start we have made, I cannot say anything other than I’m happy with three wins and a draw.” Berg told the press pack.

“It’s a good start from where we were in the summer and the players that have come in. We are developing. Not everything we do is perfect but we’re working very hard to be the best we can be.”

Berg’s choice of words are by no means an indication he’s ruling out any chance of a title victory although, at this early stage of his tenure, steady progress is the key objective.

Omonoia are already showing signs of improvement. Defensively they’ve tightened up, conceding twice in four games; both goals coming from the spot in the 2-2 draw away at AEK Larnaca – a game shrouded in controversy as Omonoia were (not for the first time) ruing decisions made by referee George Nicolaou, who mysteriously ruled out Michael Luftner’s goal and denied them a stone-wall penalty – yet awarded three to AEK.

The addition of Tomas Hubocan will undoubtedly provide much needed experience at the back once the former Marseille central defender is match fit.

Going forward, Omonoia’s free-flowing football has produced some well crafted finishes and with Thiago Santos, Eric Bautheac, Charlambos Mavrias, Jordi Gomez and Dimitris Christofi getting on the score sheet, there’s less pressure on Matt Derbyshire to deliver.

Hen Ezra is already looking like one of the signings of the season having put in some impressive displays, whilst Vitor Gomes continues to impress in midfield.

Berg saved some praise for Omonoia’s supporters, who’ve turned up in their thousands to get behind their team; an interesting choice given the Omonoia Ultra’s (Gate 9) are no longer attending matches.

“I’m also very happy to hear the fans, like they always have been, even from the first day when we had the practice match – there were 10,000 here for the game against Anorthosis.

“It was fantastic support for the players and it was good to hear the fans being happy again, It helps the players a lot and maybe they were able to make a difference in a game like this.”

Omonoia face (Jason Puncheon’s new team) Paphos FC this weekend and are favourites to make it four wins from five as the hosts have lost their last three games. Around 2,100 fans are expected to travel to Paphos, whilst an estimated 2,000 Omonoia supporters from the city will be in the home section. Expect fireworks.